Anybody want to help me buy a computer?

[LeftyMom]

It's that time of year again, when my favorite uncle is about to make a decent sized deposit in our account and LeftyDad has decided he'd like a new computer to play games on. Problem is, while I have no problems buying a computer normally, I have no idea what to look for in terms of video cards and fans and whatnot. So within the following restrictions

-windoze-based (for games)
-under 2Kish
-should be reliable for several years
-upgradable

what should we look for? I've been fiddling with the configurator for this one http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/configurator.aspx?mid=86 but I don't know what I need (other than lots of memory, an lcd monitor and the blue case, all reqested by LD.)

I'd appreciate any advice!

-LM

[Maestro]

1. Don't go ibuypower.

Spend a little bit more money and go with www.monarchcomputer.com or www.velocitymicro.com. Both companies have built me gaming machines and I am extremely happy.

Here are some pics from my Velocity Micro built computer.

[Maestro]

2. Here is a link to some advice on upgrading

Scroll down to post #5.

Advice

[democracyindanger]

3. This is a great guide

http://arstechnica.com/guides/buyer/gaming-08-30-2004.ars

They assemble it every once one a while based on polling their forum members. Gives you a few suggestions based on budget.

[LeftyMom]

4. That's exactly what I needed

thank you! :)